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ML Aerius/room tweak

I use the Aerius in a rather large room (30x20x13). The room interaction was producing a +6 to 8 dB peak between 4K and 8Khz. Most of the room acoustic tweaks I'd read about were for the lower end of the spectrum. Recently, I bought some acoustic foam to see if it would help. Until I figure out where to place it, I thought i'd just lean it against the back of the speaker (behind the electrostat). I noticed a change in the sound and measured that the peak was no longer there. Has anyone else tried this?

I'm now debating whether I should just cut the 2'x3' foam to the same width as the ML and just leave it leaning against the back of the speaker (vs. mounting on stand/wall). Any thoughts? What else do I need to consider? I am a newby at this and would welcome any help.

I also removed the woofers on the ML and replaced them after adding speaker putty for improved sealing. This seems to have improved the bass (I have not measured yet) -- or it may just be the case of "experimenter's expectancy"

Are there any other common tweaks for the Aerius? I have the speaker cookbook on order. I am thinking of altering the stuffing to see how that changes the performance of the speaker in the environment that it is now.

Thanks in advance.

Byas
byasunambisanfe97
estrnad's avatar
estrnad
117 posts
 
A cheap tweek to improve the overall clarity: remove spikes and slip four #3 Vibrapods under each speaker. Worked for me.
roentgen66dbdd
24 posts
 
Byas,

Let's start from the beginning. These speakers love well designed tube gear and if they sound a bit bright and out of control, it may well NOT be the room, but rather the equipment. I've run these before and they display none of what you mention when given proper source, amplification and cabling. It's all a ballet.

The perceived improved bass may be simply better cabinet dampening from the 'silly putty'. Do NOT lean things against the back of a dipole electrostatic. Purchase some SONEX or RPG and do it right placing directly behind and/or to the sides on the walls.

Forget Vibrapods. They work for electronics. Spike these babies with German solid body brass cones and place those silly plastic furniture carpet protectors under them as the cones will not penetrate the carpet to subflooring.

Good luck Mr. Phelps.

abstract7
541 posts
 
Have you tried the acoustic foam at the first reflection point on the side wall? That will likely give you a near flat response and won't destroy the reflected waves from the rear of the speaker. In order to create the electrostatic magic, you really need those rear reflected waves (but not the side reflected waves). Ceiling reflections can also be an issue, but work on the side reflections first.
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